Senate proposes formation of committee to probe charges against Mwangaza

The Senate leadership has recommended forming an 11-member committee to investigate the grounds for Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment. The House Business Committee, which determines the House leadership's agenda, submitted the names.

The 11 members as read by Majority leader Bonny Khalwale include Senators Hillary Sigei, Abdul Haji, Wahome Wamainga, David Wafula, Gloria Orwoba, Karen Nyamu, Issa Juma, Eddy Oketch, Shakila Abdalla, Beth Mwandeti and Beatrice Akinyi.

Senator Khalwale read the names while introducing a resolution to establish a Select Committee to investigate and report on Meru County Governor Mwangaza's recommended removal from office.

"I want to urge colleagues to reflect on this motion, whether we shall be doing the very best if we allow a Special Committee to inform us or whether we should go the plenary way,” Khalwale said.

The committee will investigate the proposed removal of the beleaguered Meru Governor and report back to the Senate within 10 days on whether the specifics of the charges are confirmed.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi warned Senators that if the motion to establish the Committee fails, the Senate will investigate and debate the issue in plenary.

However, the committee's suggestion to investigate Mwangaza's impeachment elicited mixed reactions, with senators supporting and opposing the move.

Opposing the motion, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhullo said going the plenary way will give Meru people transparency.

“I oppose the motion and I have experienced both committee and plenary way. By going the plenary way, Meru County will have an opportunity to see what is happening on the impeachment, but going the committee way, they might not be able to even watch the events,” she said.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who backed the motion, explained why the impeachment should be investigated by a committee.

"I have held the position and view that the committee way is a far superior way for interrogating these issues than the plenary manner,"  he said.

Sifuna emphasised that the chamber was on recess and that no senators should be forced to listen to the impeachment investigation.

He also criticised his colleagues for failing to appear for hearings if the impeachment hearing proceeds to the plenary.

"It is also better than when the impeachment goes the committee way, cross-examination becomes easier," Sifuna argued.

Opposing the motion, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina stated that the subject at hand was serious and could only be resolved by the plenary.

"If we reduce the matter to the committee, it might be concluded that it is a move made to either save or impeach the governor," the senator stated.